A series of CPUE indices were compared with the available research trawl survey indices. Even when removing midwater trawl data, or using only data from the trawl survey area, or analysing separate fleets with consistent fishing gear and practice, the resulting CPUE trajectories were similar to that produced previously for the entire fishery. None of the series matched the research trawl survey indices. It is unlikely that any current WCSI hake CPUE series is a reliable index of fish abundance.